Mr. Chung, a renovation contractor from Sham Shui Po, found old silver coins discarded by a client: An authentication record of four trade silver dollars
Not every customer who brings silver coins inherited them. Master Zhong's batch of silver coins has a rather unique origin – they were left behind by a homeowner he was renovating for.
Master Zhong, 48, has been in the renovation business in Sham Shui Po for over twenty years. Recently, he was clearing out a property for an owner who was emigrating to the UK. Before leaving, the owner pointed to an old biscuit tin in the kitchen and said, "Take the old money inside if you want it, otherwise just throw it away."
Master Zhong opened it and found several heavy silver coins, all blackened on the surface. He knows a little about antiques and felt they weren't just scrap metal, so he took them home. He found Antique Gold Appraisal online and scheduled an appointment to bring them in.
Four Coins, Four Nations: A Grand Display of Trade Silver Dollars
The four silver coins are from four different countries, all 19th to early 20th-century trade silver coins:
1. British Trade Dollar (1903)
Britannia stands by the sea, holding a trident and shield. The reverse has "ONE DOLLAR" in both English and Chinese. Condition VF25, weight 26.92 grams.
2. French Indochina Piastre (1907)
Seated Liberty, with "INDO-CHINE FRANCAISE" on the reverse. Condition F15, heavily circulated wear. Weight 27.05 grams.
3. Mexican Peso (1895)
The Mexican national emblem of an eagle devouring a snake on a cactus. Condition VF20, Mexico City mint (Mo mark). Weight 27.01 grams.
4. Japanese 1 Yen Dragon (Meiji 28 / 1895)
Dragon motif on the obverse, "一圓" (one yen) in Japanese on the reverse. Condition VF30, good luster retention. Weight 26.95 grams.
Individual Valuations
- British Trade Dollar 1903 (VF25): HK$2,800
- French Indochina Piastre 1907 (F15): HK$1,200
- Mexican Peso 1895 (VF20): HK$2,200
- Japanese Dragon Yen M28 (VF30): HK$3,500
- Total: HK$9,700
Master Zhong made the deal on the spot and laughed, saying, "This was the most profitable renovation job I've done."
Have old silver coins of unknown origin that you'd like appraised? WhatsApp 98342057. Antique Gold Appraisal offers free identification of country, year, and type, with no pressure to sell.